Reviews

Honda's High Performance UTV is Coming!

Signs that Honda's next big thing is almost here

February 22, 2016

HONDA’S HIGH PERFORMANCE UTV IS COMING!American Honda

It’s time for Honda to follow Yamaha’s lead and jump into the High Performance UTV game. Like Yamaha did over the past handful of years, Honda has finished launching a line of work/recreational UTV’s to satisfy that larger market with the Pioneer 500, 700 and 1000s. The technology to set Honda’s High Performance machine apart from the rest is already being used on machines across all of their platforms. The market is ready for another Japanese company to offer an option different than what we are used to. We think Honda is next and here’s why.

Honda’s display at last year’s Sema Show was showcasing the new Pioneer 1000 covered with Honda Racing logos, Fox Shox and KMC beadlock wheels. This shows the companies interest in making a high performance UTV to compete with Yamaha, Polaris and the others.American Honda

The adventure bike world has been building steam with KTM and BMW leading the charge for nearly a decade. It wasn't until 2014 when Yamaha finally stepped in with the Super Tenere. Now that Honda has the 1000cc African Twin done, they can concentrate production on the high performance UTV. Read a review on the African Twin at Dirt Rider Magazine.American Honda

In 2015 Honda’s racing division was testing the off road “waters” along side proving the durability of their twin turbo V-6 automotive engine in the Baja 1000. The interesting part of that program, it that the truck was actually raced by a So. Cal. fab shop that builds and preps race UTV’s for top guys we deal with.American Honda

The African Twins 1000cc engine has a claimed horsepower number pegged it right under 100hp. In this adventure bike, you can choose between a manual push button or auto mode through the dual clutch, belt less transmission. This transmission has proved to be reliable as it’s been in Hondas ATV and street bike line since 2008.American Honda

While this engine feels very aggressive in the latest Pioneer, it’s very detuned for reliability and no doubtedly can handle modifications as well as a TRX450 ATV motor. With it’s single cam design, it’s basically two 450’s running side by side and very similar to the African Twin’s power plant.American Honda

Adding long travel suspension to the Pioneer could work for some sport applications, however to be a serious competitor to the RZR and YXZ, a streched frame with a longer wheelbase needs to be developed.American Honda

Honda recently released the 1000cc Africa Twin motorcycle. A deeper looking into the engine revealed It comes with multiple transmission options; foot shift manual, push button shift and 2 stage full auto. Traction control as well as ABS are standard. Their new UTV could be virtually the same.Honda